A DRIVE to recruit more foster parents in Oxfordshire is to continue with a series of information events during Foster Carer Fortnight.

In April the Oxford Mail revealed that Oxfordshire County Council was to invest £180,000 to recruit more foster parents.

Now the county council has organised events to encourage people considering becoming foster carers to find out more about what the role involves and discover how to sign up.

The council wants to attract more foster carers.

In particularly need are people willing to take on the care of brothers and sisters together, teenagers and children who have special needs. Foster carers provide a range of placements from emergency and short-term to long-term and specialist placements.

Mum-of-two Ilse Powell, from Oxford, said she would encourage people to sign up and help children to live in a family environment.

The 39-year-old care coordinator fosters two children aged between five and 10.

She said: “Children need to live in a family environment.

“When they do, it brings out the best in them.

“When they’re out in the garden and all you can hear is the sound of laughter you know they are living in the moment and not worrying about the past or the future.

“They are just being kids.

“It is a challenging role but really rewarding, especially when you see a child settling in and starting to feel at home.”

Foster Carer Fortnight started yesterday.

Ms Powell, who is single, said: “One thing people often think is that they need to be a couple to foster, but that’s not the case.

“What matters is that you can provide a safe and loving home for children.

“Once you’re registered you don’t have to commit to doing it forever.

“You can foster on your own terms.”

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley said: “Many people will already know someone who fosters or have other links to fostering.

“We are urging people to have a conversation about this hugely important role in society and for those who have not previously considered fostering to ask themselves whether they could change a child’s life.”